In November 2022, the Commission of Inquiry published its report of findings and recommendations entitled A Call for Change.
It found that sexism, misogyny and racism are a significant problem within the QPS and these discriminatory behaviours impact the entire culture of the police service.
One of the recommendations was for QPS to engage the Queensland Human Rights Commission to undertake a program of work aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion of QPS members.
Our approach
During the consultation phase of our review, we gathered information through:
- 137 one-on-one confidential interviews with QPS members
- 21 site visits to police stations and regional offices across Queensland
- 5 focus groups
- A workforce survey, which received 2,724 responses
- 9 literature reviews and research projects
- 2 information requests resulting in 345 documents being reviewed.
In developing the recommendations, we applied a robust methodology to ensure they were focused on achieving meaningful and systemic change and could be implemented effectively.
As part of this process, we consulted widely on the recommendations, allowing sufficient time to refine and test them with QPS. This minimised the risk of unintended consequences.
Between 2025 and 2026, QPS is working on the implementation.
We will conduct an evaluation to assess the progress of this implementation in late 2026 and 2027.
Advisory panel
An advisory panel was established to provide specialist advice and additional expertise for the duration of the review.
It was co-chaired by the Queensland Human Rights Commissioner and the QPS Commissioner. Other members were external to the QPS and the Commission.
The panel was made up of the following experts:
- Linda Williams APM LEM—Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Australia Police
- Kristen Hilton—former Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner
- Thelma Schwartz—Principal Legal Officer of the Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service
- Peter Forday—respected leader and consultant, board member of Multicultural Australia and former chair of Police Ethnic Advisory Group
Scope
As defined by the Commission of Inquiry recommendation, the issues within scope were to:
- identify barriers to women, First Nations, and culturally diverse people applying to join the QPS
- determine whether QPS recruitment policies and practices were in line with state and federal anti-discrimination laws. This included examining whether recruitment standards for entry to be a QPS member:
- were genuine occupational requirements; and
- identified any equal opportunity measures that should apply
- assess whether there was adequate transparency about recruitment, promotion, and retention and a capacity to monitor and evaluate changes
- identify what positive steps QPS should take to prevent discrimination, including sexism and racism
- determine what should be done to increase the retention of women, First Nations, and culturally diverse police
- address any other relevant matters.
As recommended by the Commission of Inquiry, the review focused on QPS members from ‘diverse backgrounds.’
In this context, diverse backgrounds meant people who identify as women, and/or First Nations people, and/or from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Review phases
The review is being conducted in 3 phases.
Phase 1: Review
The initial review and guidance phase commenced in July 2023 and concluded in late 2024 with the publication of the Strengthening the Service report.
Phase 2: Implementation
The implementation phase commenced in early 2025 for an expected period of 2 years. During this phase, QPS is implementing the recommendations made in phase 1.
Phase 3: Evaluation
After implementation, the Commission will return to evaluate how much change has been achieved and identify areas for future improvement.